World number two, Roger Federer is through to another Australian Open final, after Hyeon Chung retired in their semi-final clash on Friday.
The 36-year-old defending champion led 6-1 5-2 when 21-year-old Chung was forced to call it quits, after being treated for a blister on his left foot.
The Swiss received a free pass into the men’s final where he will face sixth seed Marin Cilic on Sunday.
It means Federer is now seeking a sixth Australian and 20th Grand Slam title.
Reacting to Chung’s early call-in, after the win Federer said, “I thought the first set was normal.
“I couldn’t tell what was going on with my opponent.
“In the second set I felt he was getting slower. He’s had a problem with the blister. It hurts – a lot. At some point it’s too much and you make things worse.
“Clearly I’m happy to be in the final – but not like this. He’s had such a wonderful tournament.”
Asked about facing Marin Cilic in Sunday’s final, the Swiss said: “He brings power, he brings everything. He had a similar problem like Chung had in the Wimbledon final.
“Not having a brutal semi-final, he’ll have rest and we’ll see a different Marin Cilic this time. He crushed me in the US Open semi-finals.
“I’m excited to play him. We actually played together on vacation in the Maldives. We were both looking for a hitting partner. I told him to practice in the tropicals helped me get to the finals!”